It is cold, windy and still a bit dark in the evenings. Winter has not quite left us yet. Derby County’s promotion challenge is failing as Frank Lampard discovers that the team is not quite as good as Chelsea’s was. Brexit baffles.

So, you need cheering up. Fortunately, Derby Theatre have the remedy next week when “Avenue Q” arrives in town. It is a musical like no other. It is “Sesame Street” grown up – with puppets. It is one of only two comedies that has had me fall from my chair with laughter ( “Hotel Paradiso” – Feydeau is the other).

Comic songs cover topics no ordinary musical deals with – like internet porn, and covers topics that others do, such as racism, with a smile and bite.

So if you ever wondered what happened to the characters on “Sesame Street ( I am sure you worry about little else) buy tickets – and laugh!

The show runs from Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd inclusive. A Behind the arras review will be available on the Tuesday.

https://www.derbytheatre.co.uk/avenue-q